Ayurveda (The Science of Life)

The ancient therapeutic art of Ayurveda provides the answers to the search for balance between mind, body and soul.

Mentioned the word ‘wellness’ and the image of the ancient therapeutic art of healing, Ayurveda, comes to mind. The concept is far from alien to an Indian for whom home remedies are part of the everyday life from fixing sprains, arthritis, and migraines to flatulence.

Ayurveda literally means the ‘science of life’. While it may sound strange to visitors, the ayurvedic concept is scientific, based on biological forces of the human body called Doshas- Vata (air), Pitta (fire) and Kapha (water) that are the key to an individual’s psycho-physiological nature. The secret of Ayurveda lies in the need to balance these elements. Ayurvedic massages may have tongue-twister names, but are close-to guaranteed remedies. Massages are done on a long wooden table. Abhyanga, a synchronized massage uses traditional herbal oils as two masseurs knead the body. The effect of this is obvious as the body relieves itself of excess fluids. Pizhichil rejuvenation treatment is for those with rheumatism and arthritis. An unusual feeling of wellness is experienced with Sirodhara, as medicated oil is poured in an even stream onto the forehead, said to pacify and revitalize the mind and body.

The mother of all Ayurvedic massages is Pancha Karma, a five-fold purification therapy that aims at correcting the imbalance of the body’s bioenergies to maintain its inherent equilibrium. It incorporates emesis (therapeutic vomiting), laxatives, enemas, nasal cleansing and blood purification. For those with the resolve to carry it through, the results are telling.

Ayurvedic holidays are best experienced in the state of Kerala God’s Own Country. Here, an entire range of experiences awaits body, mind and soul with options for rejuvenation and therapy. Ayurveda is sought after for its treatments for ailments like arthritis, spondylosis, paralysis, obesity, sinusitis, migraine, premature ageing and general health.

The first Ayurvedic health farm in the country, set the trend for promoting the remedies in a scientific and organized manner. An innovative twist to a tradition passed down three generations of physicians engaged in the research and development of Ayurvedic medicines. With three successful projects at Palakkad, Delhi and Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, many others have followed the lead. The resorts provide seminars on Ayurvedic philosophy, meditation and yoga.

Rich with tradition, culture and natural splendour is the Ayurvedic Beach Resort in Kerala with bungalows, built in wood and carved doors and pillars. Holidays are here a combination of health, yoga and meditation programmes.

So embedded is the concept of well being in the psyche, major hotels in metros provide some form of Ayurvedic or yoga and meditation treatments. The Ayoma spa, for instance, is set in the desert state of Rajasthan in the red sandstone summer palace. The resort has magnificent rooms close to nature highlighted by the presence of peacocks, monkeys and the sound of cicadas through the year.

With the world looking east for sustenance and therapies to combat the negatives of modern living, India seems to be almost the first choice in the search for balance between mind, body and soul. Ayurveda provides answers to the search.